Communications

Subject: New York Freedom of Information Law Request: documents relating to the court-ordered unsealing of adoptee birth certificates

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To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law, I hereby request the following records:

documents relating to the court-ordered unsealing, issuance, release, or divulgence of adoptee birth certificates (it is of course perfectly fine to redact all personally identifying information regarding the adoptees and their parents). This would include, but not be limited to:

• Copies of such court orders received by NYSDOH

• Letters sent to adoptees informing them of the unsealing and release of their birth certificates

If my request is too broad or does not reasonably describe the records, please contact me via email so that I may clarify my request, and when appropriate inform me of the manner in which records are filed, retrieved or generated.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.

Subject: RE: New York Freedom of Information Law Request: documents relating to the court-ordered unsealing of adoptee birth certificates

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Dear Mr. Philippo –

Thank you for your e-mail.

The Records Access Office acknowledged receipt of your Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request by letter dated September 5, 2019, a copy of which is attached. Please note your FOIL request was assigned a number - #19-09-053.

As stated in the letter, a determination as to whether your request is granted or denied will be reached in approximately 20 business days; we will notify you in writing if additional time is needed. Accordingly, the next communication you will receive from us regarding your FOIL request will be on or before October 3, 2019.